Chiloe wigeon

Scientific name: Mareca sibilatrix

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males have a distinctive green head with white breast and creamy-buff flanks; females are predominantly grey-brown with paler underparts. Both sexes show white speculum in flight.

Size and weight

Males 48–51 cm, 680–750 g; females 45–48 cm, 580–650 g.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, and coastal lagoons with emergent vegetation and open water. Typically found from sea level to moderate elevation in temperate regions.

Distribution

Endemic to southern Chile and adjacent Argentina; range includes the Chiloé region and Patagonian wetlands. Prefers sheltered freshwater systems with dense vegetation.

Diet

Dabbling dabbler feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates; shifts toward vegetative matter in winter and early spring.

Behaviour

Highly vocal, especially males. Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal feeders; diurnal roosters on open water. Form loose flocks outside breeding season; pairs are territorial during breeding.

Hunting tips

Look for dabbling sign—droppings concentrated on shallow shores and mudflats, grass trampled near water entry points. Approach from downwind using marsh vegetation as cover; glass open water at dawn and dusk. Move slowly and pause frequently to locate feeding or roosting birds; use decoying in open bays.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.